Stackable Aquarium Sponge Filters

 

Stackable Sponge Filters

While not at all a new idea, it is often a forgotten idea that is especially useful for Breeder Aquariums & Goldfish Aquariums (especially bare bottom tanks)

These Filters can be stack tightly for use in high bio load aquariums such as often "dirty" goldfish tanks.

Or the "Step" can be used as a spacer to allow for gaps for fry/babies to hide in; this is recommended for breeder aquariums.

The First picture displays a Hydro Sponge #1 Stackable which is probably the most popular with breeders since many can be added for both added bio capacity, but also many places for fish fry to hide.

The second picture displays the Hydro Sponge #5 Stackable which can be used in large breeder tanks, but is best to add on to large high bio load aquariums.
Since the #5 Stackable utilizes the standard patented Sponge material by ATI, it makes a great addition to Hydro Sponge #5 PRO in that it will provide more fine mechanical filtration as well as more "space" for nitrifying bacterial colonies. The only negative is that it will slow much quicker the the reticulated sponge material used by the #5 PRO, but this is over come be simply rinsing this sponge at more frequent intervals.

Please Click on each Picture to Enlarge for a better view



As a side note;
Since the use of stacking sponge filters often entails breeder aquariums or large aquarium systems with valuable specimens, I strongly urge those who utilize UV Sterilizers to maintain their UV Bulbs by changing these once per every six months for optimum effectiveness.

Aquarium Sump, Central System Filter

Another use for larger reticulated sponge filters such as the Hydro Pond #4 is as a primary sump filter.
The large double reticulated high volume water flow sponges provide for copious amount of surface area for bio filtration.
This high flow design of the reticulated Hydro Pond Sponges provides more surface area and much less channeling of water than bio balls can in the same amount of space (water channeling is the major problem of bio balls, sand, ceramic media and even bio stars, which results in areas of little or no water contact).

Below is a complete Sump system for a marine aquarium that includes (click picture to enlarge):
* Glass or acrylic plates mounted to provide an optimum flow pattern
* An AAP Hydro Pond Pre-Filter in the first chamber
* Crushed Coral crumbles for bio filtration, both aerobic and anaerobic (as well as some mechanical filtration)
* A combination deep sand bed and refugium for further nitrate control
* Final chamber with AAP Rio HF Pump for circulation as well as an AAP/TMC Premium V2 Skim marine protein skimmer and/or a FSB Filter Reactor
* An AAP/TMC GroBeam or Marine White Premium High efficiency/high output LED light is also employed for refugium.

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The Hydro Pond 4 can easily handle an aquarium up to 250 gallons or central aquarium system of similar gallons. The amount of water volume can increase with multiple filters or the addition of Sponges for the use of diffusion of water into the sump. A Hydro Pond 4 can be used for the water diffusion or the smaller more simple Filter Max #3 can be employed for this use as well (some square sponges such as those for the larger Aqua Clear Filter can be used in a diffusion chamber as one more alternative).

Probably the simple way to build this sump is to use a Filter Max #3 or Hydro Pond 4 attached to PVC pipe that pours (diffuses) water into the sump. These diffusion sponges will act as a wet dry filter.

Step two would be to add a Hydro Pond 4 to the pick up pump such as the Via Aqua 2600 in the top picture to return the water to the aquarium (a Rio 20 HF Pump would work even better).
With two Hydro Pond 4 Filters (one for pick up & one for diffusion) your capacity would be up to 500 gallons. With one Hydro Pond 4 Filter and one Filter Max 3 or large Square Aqua Clear 110 Sponge your combined sump capacity would be about 300-350 gallons.

Finally, for readers scratching their heads wondering why they have not read or heard of this type of simple aquarium sump set up, the answer is simple; Many aquarium professionals have employed this method for years, however since the cost is very low (the purchase of a pump, 10 gallon aquarium, and a few Sponge Filters/sponges), most aquarium supply sellers would rather sell you their elaborate sumps of similar size and then charge over $350 (often without the pump too) for a set up that is likely of lower actual bio capacity than the above sump suggestion that would cost the DIY builder well under $125 (including the pump and a 10 gallon aquarium that can be cheaply purchased at Walmart, PetCo or better your local specialty aquarium store).
The choice is yours!!

With the addition of a good UV Sterilizer placed in-line for your Return such as the Terminator 36 watt Category B UV or AAP Vecton 25 Watt Category A UV, you will have a sump or central aquarium system that is second to none (make sure to change your UV Bulbs in your Sterilizer every six months for optimum performance)!

Related Information for advanced planted aquarium keepers:
Aquarium LED Warranties/Reviews, Including SB Reef Lights, Finnex, etc.

Further Recommended Reading/Products:
*Aquarium Lighting The worlds leading resource for research/experience based aquarium lighting information
*AquaRay LED Lighting The only true online seller of the most efficient and most durable aquarium LED light for your marine or freshwater aquarium (do not be fooled by a parasite retailer selling under an official sounding name)
*UV Sterilizer Information; What is the best UV for aquarium/pond The worlds leading resource for research/experience based aquarium UV Sterilizer information

Sponge Filter Uses; UV & Power Failure

Other Sponge Filter Uses; Connected UV Sterilizer & Power Failure Back up Filter

This post will show a couple of other uses for an Aquarium Sponge Filter.

(1)The use of an aquarium sponge filter connected to either a non stop air pump or to an automatic battery air pump is a simple way to insure your fish survive a power failure longer than 4 hours.
The picture to the left shows a Hydro sponge #1 connected to an automatic Million Air 'D' cell battery pump. With this method the pump turns 'ON' when power is cut, thus running this filter, however with this method, best results are achieved by having a second sponge filter already running in the aquarium (so as to be "seeded" biologically) that can be reconnected to the battery pump.
If one uses a non stop air pump, the air pump runs continuously on either AC or its rechargeable battery. The downside here is the air pump costs considerably more.

Please see this article for more about Aquarium Power Failures: Dealing with Aquarium Power Failures

(2) Another unique idea is to run a UV Sterilizer with your sponge filter being used as a pre-filter for more UV Sterilizer efficiency (make sure that your UV Sterilizer has its UV Bulb/ Lamp changed every six months for peak efficiency as well).
The use of a UV Sterilizer can aid in the prevention of many diseases (especially water borne bacteria), as well as improving Redox for general fish health.


Please see this article for more about this concept for the use of UV Sterilizers with a sponge filter (& other ideas):
Aquarium UV Sterilizer Combinations

Sponge Pre-Filter Benefits

THE USE OF SPONGES FOR POWER (HOB) FILTER PRE-FILTERS; ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS:



The simplest way to perform sponge Pre-filtration is using a specifically designed Sponge Prefilter such as the Filter Max (pictured to the left)






However an aquarist can use a standard Aquarium Sponge Filter (such as the Hydro Sponge #2 shown in this picture) attached to the Aquarium Power Filter as shown in the picture to the left (please click the picture to enlarge for a better view).







Here are just a few of the Advantages/Benefits:

• Provides additional Bio Filtration, often vastly more than the bio capacity of most Aquarium Power Filters
• Allows for aquarium Power Filter media/cartridge changes/cleanings without the worry of loss of important nitrifying bio bacteria
• Prevents weak, sick, baby fish from being sucked into or stuck on the filter intake.
• Allows for much of the un-eaten fish food from being immediately removed from the water column during feeding. Fish can often “graze” on these food particles on the sponge that would otherwise be taken into the power filter (Mollies especially love to graze on these particles)
• Increases Bio capacity of the aquarium
• Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze in used tank water

Sponge Filter Troubleshooting Picture

SPONGE FILTER POOR FLOW TROUBLESHOOTING

Although mechanical filtration is not the main strength of a sponge filter, a Sponge Filter can still can remove copious amounts of debris form the water column when properly connected.
If not connected properly, you will see little if any mechanical filtration and even biological filtration will suffer as well.
This can be a problem with air pump applications, especially in small aquariums where the aquarium keeper unknowingly leaves off the lift tube to fit better in a small aquarium and then amplifies the problem by not extending the airline deeper into the sponge filter

The picture above shows water flow through a sponge filter depending upon air diffuser, airline tubing, and lift tube placement (Please click to enlarge).

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As you can see a sponge filter on the left with no lift tube and with no extension of tubing (or air diffuser) has a poor flow through the sponge material (if any flow at all).
The reason is the air bubbles rising in column will create a vacuum, however if there no lift tube (or very little) no vacuum is produced and the water will simply flow upward with the current of water, mostly avoiding the sponge (which will have more resistance).

The point is to overcome the resistance of the sponge material with a stronger vacuum produced in the lift tube, as well a an extension of airline tubing into the sponge filter and/or the use of an air diffuser or air stone can extend this vacuum deeper into the sponge filter, thus providing a better flow.

FURTHER READING:
*Aquarium Sponge Filter Use/Information
*Freshwater Aquarium Care/Information

ATI Sponge Filter, History

About ATI Sponge Filters

Aquarium Technology, Inc. was founded in 1991 by Joseph C. Gargiulo.
He, in 1991 lived in Atlanta, Georgia, were he still currently resides today.
At the time the company making the Hydro Sponge Filter was run and operated by Springfield Tool and Tie (known by most as Lustar) in Springfield, New Jersey.

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From the time period of 1991 through 2005 ATI has sales numbers that were about the same every year. However, in late 2005 Lustar made an announcement that they were closing their doors, so Aquarium Technology, Inc had to figure out something to do as the Lustar Sponge Filter was a major product line for ATI.
There were two options. One of which being closing the company and the owner, Joseph Gargiulo, thought about closing the company as his time and efforts were already in so many other things. The other option was moving the company to Atlanta.
After 2-3 months of business conversations with Lustar and pondering the idea of having the company closer to him, Joseph made the decision of moving the company to Atlanta.

In March of 2006 Aquarium Technology, Inc had begun its move south. It took over 2 ½ months to move the entire company. By late May 2006, ATI had reopened its doors for business in Atlanta.

After opening its doors in Atlanta, Aquarium Technology Inc, had slowly begun to grow; taking in more orders, getting a patent (5203990) for original Lustar Hydro-Sponge filter, and supplying these Sponge Filters to more distributors along with other products.
By the end of May 2007 the company had seen a near 6% increase in just that one year.

Over the years, AAP (American Aquarium Products) has become the main/prime distributor for the Hydro Sponge Filter (& the only seller with the full line of popular ATI/AAP Hydro Sponge Filters & pre-filters, including combos).

Hopefully over near future ATI will plan to release new product lines, update customers more, and become well known throughout the aquatic filtration market.

FURTHER READING:
*Aquarium Information | Fish & Pond Help | Advice | Research
*Aquarium Answers

Sponge Filter Pictures

Sponge Filter (Filtration) Pictures & Diagrams for Aquariums

*This post shows several different how-to aquarium (& pond) sponge filter applications via diagrams/pictures.

*This also includes Sponge Pre-filter applications as well.

Sponge Filter Diagrams

The first picture shows how the concept of an aquarium sponge filter connected to an air pump functions/works.













This second picture shows the basic flow pattern with different lift tube heights or pump configurations.



These next two pictures/diagrams show basic Sponge Filter set up methods.
First is an air pump set up and the second is how to convert a AAP Power Head (or similar) to connect with a Sponge Filter





This diagram/picture shows the many ways an AAP Filter Max can attach to a filter such as the AAP Tidal Premium HOB Filters




This picture shows a Filter Max Aquarium Prefilter connected to a AAP HJ-1542 Water Pump (a Filter Max #3 is recommended, although the #2 can work as well).
This application works well for using your Pump to other filters such a converted pond filter.




Please see this article for MUCH more Sponge Filtration Information:
*Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds

For sites to purchase Premium Hydro Sponge Products:
*AAP/ATI Hydro Sponge Filters

*AAP/ATI Filter Max Prefilters

*ATI Hydro Pond/Sump Filters

Inexpensive Pond Filtration

Inexpensive Biological and Mechanical Pond Filtration

QUESTION (from a client’s email):

What is a good source for additional bio-filtration for my pond?
I have a waterfall filter, and a veggie stream.
I still think my pond can be clearer and there is a lot of sediment floating in the pond.

ANSWER:


A Hydro-pond filter is an excellent source of bio-filtration for a small pond (under 500 gallons). It works a pre-filter for any pump intake and even as a stand alone filter.

Sponge filtration is one of the most under rated forms of filtration for ponds and aquariums alike. When used and properly cared for, a sponge filter colonizes aerobic bacteria for ammonia and nitrite removal, and they make excellent mechanical filters, trapping a lot of floating debris.

Care is simple; just remove the sponge and squeeze into used pond water to remove the waste. This retains the beneficial bacteria, while removing organic and other waste from clogging the pond or even before going thru the nitrogen cycle.


Some of the attributes of sponge filtration for ponds are:

• Maintains the biological filtration when main filter is changed or cleaned.

• Prevents debris such as dead fish and plant material from clogging the intake by distributing the suction evenly down the length of the sponge.

• Prevents small or baby fish from being suctioned into the main filter or water pump.

• Can be used as a temporary or permanent filter in ponds.

• Traps larger waste particles, mechanically cleaning the water.

• Can be used in vertical or horizontal position.

• Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze.

A simple application would be a Hydro pond filter attached to a AAP HQB-3500 Pump (792 gph) or AAP HJ-1542 pump (370 gph), then additionally run to a UV sterilizer (optional), then back to the pond via a waterfall or other water feature. This is a simple and cost effective way to set up a pond filtration system.
When combined with a veggie filter (water iris or other bog plants with a small current of water passing through the plant roots), you will have an excellent filter system for under $150 that can maintain a pond up to 1000 gallons (although the Hydro Pond Filters are rated this high, have found 500 gallons the upper limit I feel comfortable recommending these for).

For further Pond information, please read this VERY complete article about pond care: “A Clear Pond; Pond Information”


For further information about Aquarium Sponge Filtration, please read this article: “Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds”

Sponge Filter Video

I have a sponge filter installation video that shows basic installation to either an air pump or a power head:



It is also found here in my Sponge filtration article:
SPONGE FILTRATION

Sponge filters for Fresh, Saltwater, & Ponds

SPONGE FILTERS

From "Sponge Filtration"
The use of Sponge Filters in aquariums and ponds is often overlooked by newer aquarium/pond keepers.
What many see as an overly simple filter, is in fact a near "perfect" design in its simplicity.

I have used them for my aquarium maintenance for 30 plus years with excellent results, including: Main Filter, secondary filter, pre-filter, hospital filter, and bowl or small tank filter (Sponge filters really excel here for bettas in that they are efficient bio and mechanical filters without the risk of fin damage to bettas).

Here then is a list of their basic attributes:

[1] Simple to use, most run on very basic air pumps or powerheads. One of the best beginner aquarist filters due simplicity and cost. But sponge filters are also popular with breeders and research facilities, as they are very efficient yet simple filters.

[2] Excellent biological filtration, they are very porous and can maintain very large aerobic bacterial colonies in proportion to the space they occupy.

[3] Mechanical filtration, although they are not the best mechanical filters, they still do a good job for their small size and make excellent secondary or primary filters when used in combination with other filters such as HOB, canister, or internal filters.

[4] Very few “dead” areas trapping pockets of noxious bacteria, unlike under gravel filters and even wet/dry filters (which in my experience are over rated).

[5] Simple to clean, simply remove the sponge and squeeze or rinse in old aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water. The advantage here is the aquarist is less likely to ignore cleaning the filter (unlike many complex filters), which can lead to organic build up, increasing nitrates and lowering KH and ph.

[6] Sponge filters are great in marine aquariums in a couple of different ways; one way is in a sump (sometimes sideways) with a small power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 480); the other (usually in a reef application) was inside the aquarium with either an air pump or power head. The beauty of either application is they are simple to rinse out with used aquarium water, which in the reef application was especially useful in that I could dispose of allot of debris before it cycled and produced Nitrates. They are an excellent compliment to “live rock” filtered reef aquariums.

[7] Probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not “suck” in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

[8] For cichlid breeding they excel, as they are not easily disturbed by cichlids tendency to dig.

[9] Inexpensive

[10] Now available in larger sizes for aquariums over 60 gallons.

[11] Sponge filters can even be used in ponds. With the "Hydro Pond Filter", simply attach a power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 2600), then run your return line wherever you like (waterfall, etc.). Or the Hydro Pond II can be run off a simple air pump. These filters can work on ponds up to 1500 gallons (or more with additional units).
These Hydro Pond filters also work VERY well in large aquariums especially as a pre-filter (#4) for pump in an aquarium sump for wet/dry or Berlin Method Marine filtration.

[12] There also are sponge filters that are used as a "Pre-Filter" for intakes of canister, wet/dry, power filters and more. They offer increased bio-filtration to your existing system, as well as protection from baby fish, plants, or anemones from being sucked into the intake of your existing filter.
These pre-filter sponges are especially useful for HOB (power filters) as they increase the bio capacity (far more than bio wheels in experiments I have done) and retain the aerobic bio filtering bacteria during filter media changes. With out these Sponge pre-filters, HOB filters are poor to fair bio filters, with them they are excellent.

[13] Sponge filters are great for planted aquariums, they do not interfere with root structures and maintain a biological balance that ideal for planted aquariums.

[14] EXCELLENT for use in marine aquariums, especially when the Berlin Filter method is applied. I have used these as a pre-filter for the return pump for a Mud filter, in a sump, or as just an additional bio/mechanical filter inside a Nano Reef. The advantage of these in marine applications is they trap debris and organic mulm which is VERY easily rinsed out unlike a more difficult canister filter or even bio balls, thus reducing the “nitrate factory” aspects of many other mechanical/bio filters in marine aquaria.

[15] Sponge filters or internal filters with sponges are very efficient for powering UV Sterilizers and Fluidized Bed filters (an under rated but excellent filter on its own).



Here are a few myths about Sponge filters:

* Bio Wheels and Wet Dry filters are superior to sponge filters.- MYTH
In theory the added oxygen or bio wheels and wet dry filters is great, but in practicality the channeling of wet dry filters and the deposit build up of Bio Wheels lowers bacteria surface area, while the fact remains that with the proper dissolved oxygen levels your fish should have is more than adequate for a healthy sponge filter to maintain proper bio colonies. Compare a Wet Dry filter to a tank with live rock and other means of mechanical filtration, and you will find the live rock superior even though it is under water.

* All sponge filters are the same and only for small aquariums. –MYTH
The flow design, sponge media material, and sponge size all are important. A large sponge filter with sponge media of a high and proper sized pore count is and extremely efficient filter. Compare the sponge design of the patented Hydro Sponge to a cheaper Lees or Tetra sponge and it is obvious, as these cheaper sponges clog faster and do not have the pore density of Hydro Sponge filters.


FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPONGE FILTRATION, please visit this site:

AQUARIUM SPONGE FILTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS


OTHER INTERESTING LINKS



Aquarium Sponge Filters A GREAT PLACE FOR QUALITY ATI HYDRO SPONGE FILTERS, Prices starting at $5.99!

The importance of aquarium water qualityBasic information about freshwater or marine water quality maintenance.